Travellers have left Painshill after an incursion shut the 18th century landscape garden for several days.

Painshill, located next to the A3 near Cobham, had been closed to the public since Thursday (May 24) as a result of a large number of caravans taking up residence in the car park and nearby field.

The travellers left on Wednesday (May 30) after being served a notice to leave by the landowner. Photos taken from the site show couches, gas bottles and mattresses among the mess found at the park after the group had left.

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Jonathan Sharpe, marketing manager for Painshill Park Trust, said: "The caravans and vehicles were removed from our car park on Saturday morning (May 26), but unfortunately they took up residence in the neighbouring field.

"As soon as we're able, a full damage assessment of the site will be carried out and the clearing up can commence."

He went on to say that the temporary closure of the park over the bank holiday weekend had impacted the trust heavily.

Some of the mess found at Painshill Park (Image: @Cobham_oxshott)

"As a charity and independent park we rely heavily on visitors and members for support and income," he said.

"Not being able to open over the warm weekend and bank holiday has had a real impact on us. We'd like to thank all those who have shown their support."

A spokesman for Surrey Police said the travellers were served notice by the landowner before leaving.

"Following an attempt on Wednesday (May 30) by bailiffs acting on behalf of the landowner to serve notice on the unauthorised encampment at Painshill Park, and an increase in the number of vehicles on the site, Surrey Police has taken action under section 61 of the Crime Justice and Public Order Act (1994) to direct the occupants to leave the land by May 31," the spokesman said.